Spain Bike Tour Reviews (page 5)
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★★★★★ TJS53 July 29, 2019Amazing Scenery along the Ebro River
· Cycling Spain's Ebro River
The route takes riders through some of the most sparsely populated and beautiful parts of Spain. Much of the ride along the river winds through a deep canyon. Although the route follows the river downstream, there is significant climbing (and some of it steep) everyday, but the pay off, terrific views and then long downhill stretches, is well worth it. The tour is ranked 2?, but it is a 3.
The route takes riders through interesting villages steeped in history. You'll see churches, castles, bridges, plenty of wheat and sunflower fields. There are quite a few opportunities to get off the bicycle, see the sites and interact with the locals. Be sure to see the castle and the cathedral in Frias. In Laguardia we arrived in time to witness the "running of the cows", an annual festival featuring a parade of town dignitaries and marching band that culminates with the release of cows that romp through the cobblestone streets. A good time was had by all, except maybe for the cows.
We took the tour during a record-setting heatwave, three days of temperatures over 100 degrees, so we started early each day to get to the next hotel before the heat became unbearable. I'd plan to do this trip during a time of year more likely to offer moderate temperatures.
The hotels were always good. However the Posada de Ormas, Hotel Romanca and the Hospederia de los Parajes in Laguardia were outstanding.
All in all this is a good tour and a great value.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 6-23-2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ DewDrop July 4, 2019Glorious Trip, but a bit over our capabilities.
· Andalusia: Southern Spain
This trip was rate a 3/5 on difficulty. We asked our advisor if we 65 year old bike amateurs could handle it. We had a hard time completing the 40 mile days. The GPS that we got through the tour was also very hard to read and use. But we did love the trip, the hotels were all first rate. The choices were fascinating. The country side excellent.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 18-25
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Chris 77 June 14, 2019
Lots of history
· Andalusia: Southern Spain
Interesting cities and great accommodations. Would recommend ebikes for those of us over 75. Definitely suggest the tour company issue the bikes the evening before the first day as the day is long with lots of dirt track - best to get an early start to enjoy the destination.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May
- How many tours have you completed?
- 17
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Danielito June 13, 2019Very enjoyable island loop
· Majorca: A Loop Tour of the Beautiful Balearic Island
We hadn't been to Majorca before. This was a great way to explore it. The maps were excellent and the bikes were good quality city / touring bikes. The Euro-bike stickers on street signage are really helpful.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ dlbf May 6, 2019
Beautiful place to cycle!
· Majorca: A Loop Tour of the Beautiful Balearic Island
Majorca is truly a lovely island. Breathtaking coastal views and lovely pastoral scenery inland. Had some great lunches in the local towns. The arrangements were excellent. Good bikes, routes easy to follow, all hotels top-notch.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 4/19-26
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ JJ1970 April 28, 2019
Great Tour
· Cycling Spain's Ebro River
Excellent tour. Great bikes and great support. Amazing views and historical towns.
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10+
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Stokaace April 7, 2019
Great way to see Andalusia
· Andalusia: Southern Spain
We did a self-guided version of the Seville to Cadiz route. Overall the trip was great. Hotels far exceeded my expectations and the route stops in many small towns for some excellent local culture. The route was a mix of paved roads and gravel trail which means the bikes are sturdy. We had no flats of other issues at all. In the self guided tour they give you a very detailed set of instructions but you are on your own after that. I recommend downloading offline Google maps to supplement the instructions because some of the route gets complicated. Overall this trip is a great value. The stops are beautiful and the hotels were surprisingly nice.
- What was the date of your tour?
- March 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- None
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ CJ4EY March 30, 2019Fabulous Paradors - Challenging Cyclying
· Cycling Spain’s Land of the Conquistadors
We really enjoyed the Paradors as each one is historical and unique. The biking is through rural countryside and is very pretty, and the temperatures in March were perfect. The directions provided by the tour company were outstanding! The surface of the trip is along asphalt roads, but I think it should be noted that the terrain is very hilly. The only flat section of the trip is the first half of the first cycling day and last cycling day. Otherwise, you’re climbing or descending, and since descending is much faster, you’re spending most of your days climbing. It was our 8th trip and definitely the most challenging. Another aspect of the trip is there is a lot of traffic passing at high speeds. While most of drivers are courteous in the amount of space given, if you’re accustomed of cycling without traffic, it can be very disconcerting. It a lovely trip, but I think the surface and terrain need to be disclosed.
- What was the date of your tour?
- March 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- No
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ oaklandhills34 March 25, 2019
Fantastic Overall Tour
· Andalusia: Southern Spain
This was my first bike tour vacation and I was impressed.
Things that exceeded my expectations:
-the hotels were first class
-Andalusian countryside is beautiful. People are friendly.
-Meals (tapas) were great and surprisingly affordable
-The towns on the tour (pueblo blancos) were charming and picturesque
-Day 2 and Day 3 rides were outstanding - beautiful country roads through olive orchards, horse farms, train tunnels
-Bikes were solid and appropriate for all-terrain ridingThings to consider:
-This is an all-terrain tour; there are long stretches on gravel roads and dirt paths. This was fun and a great way to get off the beaten path just be aware this isn't a road bike tour.
-Because off all the off-road components navigation isn't trivial; not hard, just not 'casually glance at Google maps' easy either
-Most days we rode for 4-5 hours. We typically stopped in towns along the way to snack as well. This wasn't too challenging but we were definitely tired and ready to eat and drink upon arriving at our destination
-There isn't much help along the way. We never met anyone from the tour company...the person that drops off the bikes isn't with the tour company. All we had was a phone number to call if something goes wrong. This was fine for us and nothing went wrong but beware you are largely on your own.- What was the date of your tour?
- Early March
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Brad2008 November 28, 2018
very nice lodging and service
· Cycling Spain’s Land of the Conquistadors
Great places to stay and eat. Great service. It was definitely hilly but beautful.
- What was the date of your tour?
- November 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 15
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Carlosita November 12, 2018
A most memorable trip
· Cycling Spain's Ebro River
This tour following the Ebro River was very well organized. Each day was different. The directions were excellent, the roads were good surfaces, the innkeepers very nice, and the mix of history, nature, and wine country a good combination.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 7, 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- three
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ sharon November 11, 2018beautiful scenery, perfectly planned route
· Medieval Villages of Catalonia
This is one of the most organized self-guided tours we have taken. The map and accompanying photos and tips were terrific. In addition, one bike had a Garmin GPS device, the other a smart phone with Maps.me. Great bikes, high-quality accommodations...It was a wonderful trip. We have several friends who are considering doing it.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 10/4/18
- How many tours have you completed?
- 7
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ ned75 November 10, 2018
· Cycling Spain’s Land of the Conquistadors
Two small issues. When we arrived at Oropresa (TO) the printed material told us to ring the Paradore to organize a taxi. Unfortunately the reception did not speak English (only in this Paradore) and we could not get an answer (after they hung up they did not answer the phone any more). Good thing that the station master spoke English and gave us the Taxi number whihc is 670841586. We suggest that the tour operator changes his instructions and tells people to ring the taxi directly.
also unfortunately the second day is on a very busy road but the rest is ok
- What was the date of your tour?
- October
- How many tours have you completed?
- three
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ MBest September 29, 2018Gorgeous countryside; great hotels
· Northern Spain: Cantabrian & Asturian Coasts
The hotels and inns were all top notch and quaint. Bikes were high quality. Scenery was absolutely gorgeous. Staying overnight 2 days in some of the stops gave you options to explore the town. Staff was very courteous and helpful. This is not, however, a level 2 ride. Many hills. Get an e-bike unless you are an experienced and strong biker.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 9/17/19
- How many tours have you completed?
- Five
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ East coaster September 23, 2018Back in the saddle
· Basque Country: Bilbao to San Sebastián via Olite
This was my first bike tour in 15 years. I've toured many countries by bicycle in the past but I was not in good cycling shape when I went on this trip. Fortunately it was completely enjoyable and a great way to start bike touring again. The routes are fabulous, including some dirt roads, and there was almost no traffic. The scenery is varied and the rides along the coast are beautiful. I used a regular bike but most other riders were on e-bikes. Most of the other folks in the group were retired and went on a lot of bicycling tours, including with the same tour operator, Rotalis. There was not much of a range in age. The group stays together so no one is left behind which means that you travel at the pace of the slowest person. The meals were wonderful but lengthy. All in all a very relaxing and interesting tour.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 25-Sept 1, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 12
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Marc and Lin September 22, 2018
Beautiful green scenery and rolling hills
· Northern Spain: Cantabrian & Asturian Coasts
Great discovery of northern Spain. With 2-night layovers in 3 cities, we could ride everyday or take off up to 3 days during the week. Excellent support when needed.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept 8 - 15
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8 in Europe
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Maryam September 9, 2018
Basque 2018
· Basque Country: Bilbao to San Sebastián via Olite
This was an organized tour but its was not balanced, most people had e-bikes and the level of ride was not comparable. The routes and difficulties were not explained well and underestimated. There was a day that we were biking on shoveled road for over 30 Km' s and it was not even mentioned prior to the ride.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 25th 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ pam123 September 5, 2018
Beautiful landscapes - amazing way to see Catalonia
· Medieval Villages of Catalonia
Our second trip through biketours.com did not disappoint. We did the peak season self-guided trip in August 2018. Our orientation guide was extremely kind and took a lot of time with us to get us oriented to the materials and the bikes. There was a hiccup on the first day with the bag drop off, but Daniel, the head of the local tour company, was responsive and immediately worked to rectify it. We were pleased that they gave us both a GPS device and an smartphone with the routes outlined in the maps.me app - so both of us could follow our route in real time. We had a few times where we had to backtrack just a bit to make a different turn, but we were never lost -- and the GPS-enabled devices meant we could venture off the course when we liked and then find our way back to the pre-determined route pretty easily. Bikes were very good. Roads were a mix of paved and dirt (about 60/40 I'd guess). We had one flat just before the last day but we were able to fix it with just tire inflation. All in all, we liked the routes and the suggested stopping points, as well as the hotels we stayed in -- especially the first and the last hotels. One thing that would have made the trip better would have been some information on each daily route, with more suggestions/options on places to stop in the various towns or along the way -- e.g. churches, museums, other points of interest.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Amy M August 8, 2018
Unbelievably Amazing
· Cycling Spain’s Land of the Conquistadors
My husband and I took this self-guided tour in mid-June. It was the fourth trip booked through biketours. Despite hot weather (above 90 degrees farenheit every day) and elevation profiles that were definitely a bit more than anticipated, we loved this tour. The route was interesting, with lots to see. The Paradors were some of the nicest, most comfortable hotels I have stayed in as part of a cycling tour. The bikes were in good working order, and we didn't need assistance. The only thing to keep in mind is that Extremadura shuts down on Sundays, and services, especially groceries, are hard to come by. With the help of biketours and the local company, we booked a second night in the Monfrague National Park, which provided a much-needed day off the saddle, and the opportunity to take a bird watching tour with Monfrague Vivo. The trip was definitely an experience we won't soon forget!
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 14-20, 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Sellg July 8, 2018
· Majorca: A Loop Tour of the Beautiful Balearic Island
- What was the date of your tour?
- 240618
- How many tours have you completed?
- 14
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
